Diamondbacks: General Updates

[bell]

Casey Fossum and Oscar Villarreal will likely start the season in the bullpen. Brenly said Fossum needs to develop more arm strength after battling tendinitis in his pitching shoulder much of last season. Villarreal, the skipper said, has proved too valuable in relief to move him any time soon.

[wrveres]

If not in right field, we may be seeing Chad Tracy in left this year.

hmm good point, Obvioussly the Diamondbacks have no quams about bringing up the Kids and letting them play.

worth keeping an eye on..

[bell]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamond ... ces03.html

For those interested in the latest state of the D-backs' finances. Apparently the latest infusion of money will give the D-backs more financial flexibility to sign/re-sign players, and even make a move during the season if needed.

Nearly six months ago, things were so bleak that Colangelo said the team would have to reduce its payroll to around $55 million next season from the current $80 million range.

But all that is out the window if the team is successful in its latest financing plan, Colangelo and the investors said.

[bell]

Latest on the pitchers who will duke it out for a spot in the rotation:

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/NAS ... &fext=.jsp

One interesting tidbit I was not aware of is that John Patterson is out of minor league options.

[wrveres]

Latest on the pitchers who will duke it out for a spot in the rotation:

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/NAS ... &fext=.jsp

One interesting tidbit I was not aware of is that John Patterson is out of minor league options.

hmm trade bait

[bell]

Rotation update:

Diamondbacks optioned RHP Edgar Gonzalez and LHP Mike Gosling to Triple-A Tucson.

It was rather surprising that Gonzalez wasn't given more of a chance to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation, but the Diamondbacks apparently weren't happen with his conditioning. He'll be back. Gosling, a top prospect before hurting his shoulder, didn't get into a game this spring.

Steve Sparks gave up one run in three innings Saturday against the Rockies.

Despite some control problems (six walks), Sparks has given up two runs in eight innings this spring. He's taken over as the favorite to act as Arizona's fifth starter, but he doesn't currently look like a solid $1 pick.

John Patterson allowed two runs in four innings today and has a 6.00 ERA through three spring outings.

Patterson has given up 14 hits and struck out just two batters in nine innings. It currently appears that Steve Sparks is the favorite for the fifth spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation.

[bell]

Catcher Robby Hammock begins his eight-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Tucson tonight when the Sidewinders open their season at home against Tacoma. Hammock is on the mend from February surgery on his right knee.

[bell]

Good news if you ask me:

Left-hander Casey Fossum, who started the year on the disabled list while he strengthened his surgically repaired shoulder, will start a rehab assignment with Tucson on Monday.

Fossum will throw two innings Monday and then three innings Friday as the club stretches him out as a starter.

[bell]

It's not much of a secret anymore:

Manager Bob Brenly said Elmer Dessens will remain in the starting rotation despite his 1-4 record and 7.85 ERA.

"He's going to pitch again in five days (Tuesday), that second game against the Mets if I'm not mistaken," Brenly said.

Meanwhile, left-hander Casey Fossum continues to impress while rehabilitating a strained left shoulder with Triple-A Tucson. He appears the likely candidate to fill Dessens' shoes.

Fossum was 1-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four minor league starts before pitching Friday, when he left the game with the Sidewinders leading 8-0. He pitched six innings and gave up five hits, striking out eight with no walks.

"The biggest positive is that he has come out of every outing physically fine and able to throw his side (session) and come back when it's his regular turn," Brenly said. "He has been able to increase his intensity and pitch count in every outing."

NL Only players should seriously look into stashing Fossum away. The local media is all over Dessens, and Brenly's frustrated by the fact that Dessens can't pitch beyond five innings and/or 75 pitches.

[bell]

Scott Hairston is no longer a second base prospect....

Scott Hairston, named the D-Backs’ top prospect by Baseball America for his offensive potential, has been moved from second base to the outfield at Class AAA Tucson.

With Matt Kata seemingly entrenched at second base but two of the Diamondbacks’ three starting outfielders eligible for free agency after the season, the D-Backs decided Hairston may have a better chance to help in the future in the outfield. He has been considered a below-average defender at second base.

The transition began Tuesday, and Hairston (who had a brief call-up earlier this month) will split time between right field and left field. He went into Thursday's game batting .296 with four homers and 18 RBIs in 24 games.